NAY PYI TAW—After the first week of hostilities that saw Team Philippines barely able to keep up with the region’s best comes the start of full-time competitions in the 27th Southeast Asian Games that formally opened Wednesday at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium here.

Along with the 11 events currently underway, chess, swimming and cycling are also set to kick off Thursday with the Filipinos hard-pressed to come up with the gold medals that would not only boost their current standing at sixth in the overall standings but also their confidence.

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – Organizers promised to mount a grand opening ceremony but in true character of the host, they remain secretive on how grand it would be as Myanmar becomes the region’s sporting hub for a fortnight with the formal inaugurals of the 27th SEA Games at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium today.

As of late Tuesday, organizers have yet to release the program drawn up by Myanmar’s Ministry of Culture but it is expected the hosts’ top officials are going to be present. It is not known, however, who will declare the Games open.